An Interview with Flora McGregor
By Carylinn Edmonds
Leaving behind a howling gale and entering the Mission to Seafarers in Port Lyttelton is reminder enough of its purpose. I receive a warm welcome from Flora McGregor, volunteer manager of the mission. I become aware of an undertone of compassion in her voice, when she begins the interview. She tells me how she had developed a passion for this work. Her words were, “As a young girl at school, we were told about missionary work, so I made up my mind then, to become a missionary would be my goal in life. I suppose in a way I am now living that dream, as my aim here is to make provision of comfort, welfare and sustenance available to all visitors.”
Asked why she does so much voluntary work and where motivation came from, Flora replied “Well, the respect and appreciation I receive from others motivates me to continue and anyway, someone has to get the work done, so it might as well be me!” Flora smiles then adds “My satisfaction comes from providing the community with support. It also suites me to utilize the centre as a base for the secretarial work I do for other clubs that I am involved with.”
Several interruptions occur, as people come into the mission. Noticeable is the warm welcome Flora gives to foreign speaking travellers. Communicating by speaking slowly, pointing to notices and demonstrating with her hands, Flora tells them, “Coffee and toasted sandwiches are on the menu today. Let me know if you want to use internet or international telephone facilities to call home.”
Meanwhile I wander about the recent redecorated premises. There are comfortable couches to relax on while watching the television, a video, or maybe listening to the jukebox and reading from the large selection of books, magazines or newspapers available. Two pool tables and other amenities such as a small bottle store and a stuffed cat could brighten up the visit for some.
Flora reappears and answers a question I ask about how the mission managed financially. “The funding we receive for the mission is small,” she tells me, “so, unfortunately it is necessary to make a small charge for services here. We are grateful for all donations as these enable us to help visitors from the poorer nations, by offering them the same level of comfort that others receive.”
Questioning Flora about the sign painted above a doorway, which read, The Secret Garden, her eyes sparkle with enlightenment as she speaks. “The name was my idea! The door opens to a narrow alley in between these buildings. I found it when our landlord moved his things out, so I had it steam-cleaned and put some chairs and ashtrays in there. It is an ideal place for smokers.”
We sit on comfortable seats in the beautiful little chapel, created as part of the building interior. I question the reason for having this here. Flora explains, “we are a mission, so this chapel is a place of peace and comfort for many visitors. Many spend time alone here to pray or think of their loved ones at home.” She went on then to tell me that the chapel was non- denominational, saying “Any of the different religions are welcome to hold a small service here by prior arrangement.”
Carylinn M Edmonds. Phone (03)328 8106.Cell 021 1618922. Email:karyselos@xtra.co.nz